Preferred Drug List
In January 2000, LifeWise began offering a 3-Tier Pharmacy Benefit to some groups.

The Preferred Drug List applies only to members who have the 3-Tier pharmacy benefit.

To find out whether you have a 3-Tier pharmacy benefit, check your benefit booklet or call customer service.

How to Read the Preferred Drug List

• All generic drugs are preferred and covered at the lowest copayment.
• Both generic and preferred brand name drugs are listed alphabetically.
• Preferred brand name drugs are in CAPITAL letters.
• Generic drug names are in lowercase letters.
• Preferred brand name drugs listed with an asterisk [*] are covered at the highest copayment because there is a generic form of the drug available.
• Brand name drugs not listed here are non-preferred and will be covered at the highest copayment.
• Medications with a symbol may require your practitioner to obtain Prior Authorization before filling.

Generic and Brand Name Drugs
A brand name drug is a patented medication produced and sold under the original manufacturer's brand name. Brand name drugs usually are more expensive than a generic equivalent drug product.

Once the original manufacturer's patents have expired, other companies may apply to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make generic versions of the drug. Generic drugs are produced and sold under the chemical name and generally cost less than the original brand, depending on price competition.

The FDA requires that generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as brand name drugs, and that they be clinically tested to ensure that the same amount of the active drug is absorbed into the body as with the brand product.

Not all brand name drugs have a generic equivalent. As long as the original brand remains patented, generic versions of the drug will not be available. Some dosage forms and strengths of older drugs may also not be available as generics because there is not enough demand for the product. Normally, at least two companies must manufacture a generic of the same drug before a favorable price level will be reached.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Ask your practitioner to prescribe a generic drug when appropriate. All generic drugs are covered and have the lowest copayment.
• If a generic drug is not appropriate, ask your practitioner to prescribe a preferred brand name drug on the Preferred Drug List (PDL). (These drugs have the Tier 2 copay.
• Ask your pharmacist to fill your prescriptions with a generic drug when allowed.

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